Cool MateForbid vs Prohibit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Forbid
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Prohibit
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B2verb
Most common: Prohibit
| Forbid | Prohibit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈhɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //prəˈhɪbɪt// |
| Meaning | To not allow something. | To not allow something. |
| Example | The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. | The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | forbid someone to do something, forbid access, forbid entry, forbid alcohol, forbid use | prohibit access, prohibit use, prohibit behavior |
| Antonyms | permit, allow, authorize | allow, permit, enable |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'prohibit' - 'forbid' is more personal, while 'prohibit' is often legal., Using the wrong tense - ensure proper tense matching with 'forbade' in the past., Misplacing 'to' - do not say 'forbid to do something', just use 'forbid someone to do something'. | Confused with 'ban' - 'prohibit' is often used in formal settings., Using 'prohibit' with an infinitive instead of a gerund (e.g. 'prohibit smoking' not 'prohibit to smoke'). |
| Usage notes | Use 'forbid' in formal contexts where strict rules or laws apply. It's not common in casual conversations. | Use 'prohibit' in formal contexts such as laws or regulations. It is often more severe than 'forbid'. |
Frequently asked questions: Forbid vs Prohibit
What's the difference between Forbid and Prohibit?
Forbid: To not allow something. Prohibit: To not allow something.
Which is more common: Forbid and Prohibit?
Prohibit is the most common in everyday English.
Are Forbid and Prohibit the same CEFR level?
Forbid: B2, Prohibit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Forbid and Prohibit interchangeably?
Not always. Forbid and Prohibit are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.